Class 387

[class387]

I would probably agree, having done a fairly long journey on a Class 700 and Southern Electrostar (new type), though I would prefer the IC spacing with armrests if someone is going to sit next to me.

The Class 387 (a posh suburban EMU) has a far, far better Standard interior than the supposedly InterCity Class 800.

The first time I rode a 377/6 I did not feel that I was on an inner suburban unit. The tables, armrests, 2+2 configuration and power points makes it a really high-quality atmosphere, regardless of opinions about the seats.

 

[spark001uk]

The first time I rode a 377/6 I did not feel that I was on an inner suburban unit. The tables, armrests, 2+2 configuration and power points makes it a really high-quality atmosphere, regardless of opinions about the seats.

Agreed. And consequently, the first 387 I rode in, I thought I was in a 377/6 !

 

[causton]

Agreed. And consequently, the first 387 I rode in, I thought I was in a 377/6 !

As someone who uses Southern trains on the WCML, I was confused when walking in some woods near the ECML with the dog, I saw what I thought was a Southern train, but it was actually a 387. They do look very much alike from the outside (and the inside!)

 

[D365]

The interior for the initial 29 units was specified by Southern, so you’re not that wrong!

 

[TheAdelante]

Is there any difference at all when it comes to the interior?

I’ve been on a 377/6 and 377/7 loads but a GTR 387 only once. I couldn’t tell much difference inside at all (if any)

 

[JN114]

First GWR 387s in passenger service West of Maidenhead. Kicked off with 2P03 0354 Reading to London Paddington; 24L Twyford due to OHLE issues.

 

[Mintona]

I’m glad to hear they’ve started, if a little slowly. Well done to NR for getting it energised, and for handing back Paddington on time.

 

[LNW-GW Joint]

So can they now run under their own power into the Reading depot?

 

[TheAdelante]

First GWR 387s in passenger service West of Maidenhead. Kicked off with 2P03 0354 Reading to London Paddington; 24L Twyford due to OHLE issues.

Hi,

That’s awesome to hear.

Could anyone provide me with times? I’m free to go on them today!

Are any going to Didcot?

 

[class387]

Is there any difference at all when it comes to the interior?

I’ve been on a 377/6 and 377/7 loads but a GTR 387 only once. I couldn’t tell much difference inside at all (if any)

The 377s have a single longitudinal seat in the place where the 387s have a luggage rack. I think this is the only noticeable difference.

 

[FGW_DID]

So can they now run under their own power into the Reading depot?

Yes, they’ve been able to for the past couple of weeks but only under ‘test conditions’ hence why the loco drags were still being utilised. Today is the first time they will have departed to enter normal service.

 

[spark001uk]

I thought it was meant to be 2nd Jan for elec west of Maidenhead? Or have they started early to do some in-service trials?

 

[FGW_DID]

I thought it was meant to be 2nd Jan for elec west of Maidenhead? Or have they started early to do some in-service trials?

That’s the date for the full timetable, there’s only 10 or 11 units out today.

 

[spark001uk]

Ah ok, thanks. Are there enough units delivered now for a full timetable then? And will the H&H service still run?

 

[FGW_DID]

Ah ok, thanks. Are there enough units delivered now for a full timetable then? And will the H&H service still run?

Yes, i think we are only waiting for the last 387 to be delivered.

Yes, I believe that’s the plan, I think I’ve seen them on the diagrams.

 

[TheAdelante]

So if I go tomorrow to Reading, will there be regular 387s towards Paddington?

 

[FGW_DID]

I wouldn’t say regular, if it’s like today there’ll only be a limited number of units out.

 

[TheAdelante]

I wouldn’t say regular, if it’s like today there’ll only be a limited number of units out.

So how long would I have to wait to get one does anyone know?

 

[cactustwirly]

So how long would I have to wait to get one does anyone know?

You might want to use the TOPs request thread.
You might want to use RTT to trace the diagrams, they can't go to Oxford so you can rule those out

 

[TheAdelante]

You might want to use the TOPs request thread.
You might want to use RTT to trace the diagrams, they can't go to Oxford so you can rule those out

Thanks. Some evening Oxford stoppers have been curtailed at Didcot Parkway from tomorrow. That might hint something.

 

[cactustwirly]

Thanks. Some evening Oxford stoppers have been curtailed at Didcot Parkway from tomorrow. That might hint something.

I might go to Reading tomorrow to catch one or two of these.

 

[TheAdelante]

I may even go on Saturday if they are going to Didcot that way I can get a cheap Cherwell - then I can go on both 800s and 387s for £3.

 

[cactustwirly]

I may even go on Saturday if they are going to Didcot that way I can get a cheap Cherwell - then I can go on both 800s and 387s for £3.

No they ain't, they start running to Didcot on the 1st.
I've done a quick calculation, and there should be about 5 diagrams for the London to Reading stoppers.
So if there are 10 units out then all the the stoppers should be 2x 387?

 

[TheAdelante]

No they ain't, they start running to Didcot on the 1st.
I've done a quick calculation, and there should be about 5 diagrams for the London to Reading stoppers.
So if there are 10 units out then all the the stoppers should be 2x 387?

Considerable upgrade from a 2 car Turbo!

 

[JN114]

No they ain't, they start running to Didcot on the 1st.
I've done a quick calculation, and there should be about 5 diagrams for the London to Reading stoppers.
So if there are 10 units out then all the the stoppers should be 2x 387?

Apart from the handful that have gone through to Didcot this afternoon? Guessing that those 387s didn’t get the memo...

 

[cactustwirly]

I was looking at RTT and the stoppers looked to be going to Oxford

 

[TheAdelante]

Apart from the handful that have gone through to Didcot this afternoon? Guessing that those 387s didn’t get the memo...

Well I did just say some Oxford stoppers have been curtailed at Didcot and I thought that dropped a few hints

From about 4pm.

 

[JN114]

I was looking at RTT and the stoppers looked to be going to Oxford

Yes and RTT became an authoritative source on what is and isn’t a 387 when?

There are definitely some 387 operated Didcot stoppers this afternoon. As today is not the 1st of Jan I’m guessing that GWR didn’t get the “no 387s West of Reading until Jan” memo?

 

[cactustwirly]

Yes and RTT became an authoritative source on what is and isn’t a 387 when?

There are definitely some 387 operated Didcot stoppers this afternoon. As today is not the 1st of Jan I’m guessing that GWR didn’t get the “no 387s West of Reading until Jan” memo?

No, but a service to Oxford is obviously a 165 is it not?

 

[TheAdelante]

No, but a service to Oxford is obviously a 165 is it not?

Or 166 as the cascade hasn’t fully happened yet has it?